San Basilio, also called Alcázar Viejo, sits southwest of the old town. The neighbourhood's reputation rests on its award-winning patios — private courtyards where families have grown geraniums, jasmine, and bougainvillea against whitewashed walls for generations.
The Patios Festival, UNESCO heritage
Every May, the Patios Festival brings several dozen patios into competition, and San Basilio tends to claim the most prizes year after year. The complete Patios Festival guide has itineraries, photography tips, and timing advice for making the most of it. Outside May the neighbourhood goes quiet — noticeably quieter than the Judería — which is part of its appeal.
The Royal Stables are 5 minutes away and host an equestrian show combining Andalusian dressage and flamenco in a 16th-century building built by Philip II.
Getting around San Basilio
A carriage tour (1h30) covers San Basilio and its patio streets without requiring you to navigate the lanes yourself. Three patios at numbers 17, 20, and 44 on Calle San Basilio open year-round free of charge — a reliable option outside festival season. Allow 1 hour for a relaxed walk through the neighbourhood.
